Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine on Friday, according to officials, following Kyiv's criticism of him for embracing President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to Russia, a traditional ally of India.

The Indian foreign ministry announced on Monday that Modi will first travel to Poland on Thursday before heading to Ukraine the following day.

Modi has carefully navigated between upholding India's historically strong relationship with Russia and strengthening security partnerships with Western countries as a counterbalance to regional rival China. His administration has avoided direct condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, and has instead advocated for a resolution through diplomatic means.

Indian foreign ministry official Tanmaya Lal described Modi's visit as a "landmark" occasion to discuss "the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."

"India has consistently supported diplomacy and dialogue to achieve a negotiated settlement," Lal stated.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will meet Modi, confirmed on Monday that this will be Modi's inaugural visit to Ukraine and noted that "several documents are expected to be signed" during the visit.

Modi’s visit to Moscow in July occurred shortly after a Russian attack struck multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in over thirty deaths and significant damage to a children's hospital in Kyiv. The photo of Modi hugging Putin at his residence the day before drew criticism from Zelensky.

India and Russia have maintained a close relationship since the Cold War, with Russia being a major arms supplier to India. Additionally, since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Russia has become a key source of discounted crude oil for India, helping it save billions of dollars and providing economic relief to Moscow amidst Western sanctions.

However, the conflict has also impacted India directly. New Delhi has urged Russia to return several Indian citizens who had signed up for "support roles" with the Russian military but were later sent to the frontlines in Ukraine. At least five Indian soldiers have been reported killed in the conflict.

Western nations have worked to strengthen ties with India as a strategic counter to China, while also pressuring New Delhi to distance itself from Russia. India, a member of the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia, has aligned itself against China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Modi had previously visited Russia in 2019 and hosted Putin in New Delhi in 2021, just weeks before Russia's offensive against Ukraine commenced. Since then, India has refrained from overtly condemning Russia and has abstained from UN resolutions criticizing the Kremlin.